No. 5 Wisconsin Aims for Big Ten Tournament Redemption Against Northwestern

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The No. 5 seed Wisconsin Badgers (23-8, 13-7 Big Ten) face off against the No. 13 seed Northwestern Wildcats (17-15, 7-13 Big Ten) in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This rematch comes after Wisconsin defeated Northwestern 75-69 earlier this season.

Head coach Greg Gard is focused on moving forward after a recent home loss that impacted the team’s morale. “I wanted to flush it quick and get ready for what was coming this week,” he said. The Badgers are looking to rebound from their regular-season finale and capitalize on their prior victory against the Wildcats.

In their first meeting on February 1, Wisconsin was able to fend off Northwestern’s efforts, thanks largely to a standout performance from backup player Jahcobi Neath, who scored a crucial 15 points. The Badgers, who hold a 125-67 series lead over Northwestern, are advantageous when they play teams in the tournament with similar records.

Betting data shows Wisconsin favored at -7.5, with a win probability of 66.8%, according to various sportsbooks. “When we have all our pieces in place, we’re a good team,” Gard noted, emphasizing the importance of key player returns, such as senior guard Max Klesmit, who has missed the last three games due to injury.

As both teams prepare for their matchup, statistics indicate that Wisconsin’s previous performance and tactical adjustments could play a pivotal role. Each previous encounter highlights Northwestern’s struggles, particularly when allowing 69 points or more; they have achieved only one win in that scenario this season.

“A guy that’s been here for three years and is an important piece for this team,” Gard continued about Klesmit. The Badgers’ offense has struggled in his absence, shooting only 20-of-85 from three-point range in the last two games. His return could bolster their chances against a Northwestern team that has faced challenges scoring.

As both teams settle into tournament mode, expectations are high. Bart Torvik’s predictive analytics give Wisconsin a 74% chance of winning, forecasting a close battle that might end with a score of 75-68. For Wisconsin, success will depend on maintaining offensive momentum and defending effectively against key Northwestern players like star forward Robbie Martinelli.

Thursday’s game emphasizes Wisconsin’s need to establish dominance early, especially given their recent experiences at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Badgers are keen to leverage their familiarity with the arena and the pressure that accompanies tournament play to secure a victory and advance further in the Big Ten Tournament.